Wind Octet, Op 21 by Einojuhani Rautavaara

Performed by Neoteric Chamber Winds
www.neotericwinds.org
Program notes: Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928–2016) was one of Finland’s most internationally successful composers. He made his major breakthrough with the Seventh Symphony, “Angel of Light,” in the 1990s, but his output includes numerous operas, concertos, chamber music works, and choral works. Over his long career, he composed in many styles, from neoclassical to twelve-tone serialism to free-tonal neo-romanticism.

The Wind Octet (1962) is unusually scored for woodwind quartet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon) and brass quartet (two trumpets, horn, trombone). The Octet dates from a period when Rautavaara experimented with what he called “non-atonal dodecaphony,” in which he freely combined serial techniques with tonal moments. The first movement begins with an atmospheric Allegro molto, punctuated by a soaring chorale theme. Muted brass open the Largo, accentuated by staccato woodwinds that soon take up lyrical themes, including virtuosic flute solos. The mood becomes wistful, then determined, before returning to the dreaminess of the opening. The final Prestissimo is a rollicking march that changes meters as it builds to an exciting conclusion.